Calrec launches RAVENNA/AES67 interface

Designed to interface with Calrec’s powerful Hydra2 audio core which serves Calrec’s Apollo, Artemis and Summa consoles, the 1U box can accept a second expansion card which increases capacity to up to a phenomenal 512 channels of audio. Furthermore, as well as offering native RAVENNA/AES67 connectivity, the unit will also accept an AVB expansion card thereby enabling simultaneous operation of multiple formats.

The interface connects redundantly to Hydra2 and appears like any other I/O resource on the Hydra2 network.  Hydra2’s integral suite of management tools provides additional benefits to allow remote configuration patching, port protection, alias files, virtual patchbays and access rights. This is an especially useful feature in remote environments where multiple trucks are connected as it means that different units can operate across multiple formats in the field.

Andreas Hildebrand, RAVENNA Evangelist at ALC NetworX, developers of the RAVENNA high-performance media-over-IP networking technology, welcomes the development from Calrec: “We’re delighted to see another major console manufacturer implementing RAVENNA as a basis for AES67 interoperability. RAVENNA is an excellent vehicle to bridge from an internal high performance network – in this instance, Hydra2 – to a wider, external network whilst still maintaining all the high performance capabilities required by demanding broadcast applications such as ultra-low latency, high channel capacity and full bit-transparent operation. Implementations are available from various RAVENNA OEM module suppliers, or the technology can be natively implemented into platforms with sufficient performance characteristics.”

According to Dave Letson, VP of Sales at Calrec, “It is imperative that Calrec supports RAVENNA and AES67 as they are popular options for broadcasters seeking an AoIP solution. Naturally, we want to support our customers’ working methods so we have developed this solution to provide another option that can be chosen with confidence to be fully integrable with Calrec’s consoles.” 

About RAVENNA:
RAVENNA is a technology for real-time distribution of audio and other media content in IP-based network environments. Utilizing standardized network protocols and technologies, RAVENNA can operate on existing network infrastructures. RAVENNA is designed to meet the strict requirements of the pro audio market featuring low latency, full signal transparency and high reliability.
While primarily targeting the professional broadcast market, RAVENNA is also suitable for deployment in other pro audio market segments like live sound, install market and recording. Possible fields of application include (but are not limited to) in-house signal distribution in broadcasting houses, theaters, concert halls and other fixed installations, flexible setups at venues and live events, OB van support, inter-facility links across WAN connections and in production & recording applications.
Unlike most other existing networking solutions, RAVENNA is an open technology standard without a proprietary licensing policy. RAVENNA is fully compatible with the AES67-2013 standard on High-performance Streaming Audio-over-IP Interoperability.

About Calrec Audio Ltd:
Calrec Audio is exclusively dedicated to excellence in audio mixing for on-air and live production.
A broadcast specialist for 50 years, Calrec has developed a range of digital consoles relied on by the world’s most successful broadcasters.
For putting sound in the picture, broadcasters put their trust in Calrec.